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Silver and Turquoise Ring

Afghanistan

Circa Early 20th Century

Dia 6.5cm

Size P

66g

£400

This appealingly oversized ring was once worn by a bold and strong nomadic woman from the desert trails of Afghanistan that were part of the ancient silk route to Europe and China. Gracing the fingers of a successful tribal lady and probably part of her wedding trousseau - this ring is a masterpiece of design incorporating many of the traditional silversmiths arts passed down over centuries. Set with a health bringing turquoise at it's centre this dramatic finger adornment cannot fail to attract attention.

026

The interesting choice of centrepiece transforms your world into a work of art. Originally made in Multan in Pakistan, these exquisitely enamalled mirrored rings were popular in turn-of-the-century Afghanistan, where women used them to discreetly monitor comings and goings. This is a fine example, with an oversized mirror framed in pretty enamal detailing. The snapshot in the mirror changes with your every movement.

146

A lovely chunky ethnic silver ring with a carnelian intaglio of Alexander the Great, still a popular hero more than 2000 years after he lead his armies to success across Central Asia, winning not only battles, but the hearts and minds of the desert tribes who then joined him, swelling his army again and again into what must have been one of the most incredible sights of ancient times. The raised gilded setting is rimmed by a filigree frill, which when combined with the etched floral and geometric motifs, transports the magic and mystery of the old Silk Route nomads right to your fingers.

119

Featuring granulation and filigree work this eye catching ring echos the bell shape of intricate birdcages traditionally kept by Afghan families in their homes. Song birds would be kept in them to keep the sound of nature alive in desert areas where they were very much loved and treasured possessions. The cages were often works of art in themselves and inspired many popular jewellery designs in the Central Asian region.

120

From the deserts of Afghanistan where the Kuchi nomads have crisscrossed the ancient silk routes since time immemorial, comes this fantastic uplifting ring. In contrast to the surrounding dry landscapes the Kuchi made their jewellery alive and vivacious with colour. Set with bright pink glass stones in an age old design this wonderful ring will create a stir whenever you wear it.

123

Inspired by the jewellery of the courts of the Moghul Emporers from the middle ages, the artist craftsman has used the ancient skills of both filigree and granulation to create an eye-catching design reminiscent of the wheel of life so prevalent in Indian iconography, topped it off with a deep red glass cabochon for effect.

032

Representing the male and female energies of the universe, this copper and silver ring is of a design that was commonly worn by married women in Rajasthan in the fisrt half of the 20th century. Supremely wearable today, inject a shot of the romantic East into your look with this ancient take on the principal of loving partnership.

148

Straight out of 'Game Of Thrones' style, this ubercool ring has subtle touches that enhance its appeal. The silver-gilt details, the kissing birds, the flowers and fine embossing work all conspire to provide the perfect setting for the centrepiece. Engraved into the surface of a red carnelian is a likeness of one of the most powerful and influential people that ever lived. Alexander the Great existed more than 2500 years ago and is still fondly remembered as the epitome of erudition and style in what was once part of his immense kingdom. Worn as a talisman of strength and good fortune, this gorgeous, charming old ring is a one of a kind treasure.

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Silver Ring RajasthanIndiaCirca Early 20th CenturyDia 5cmSize Q23g

£180

We've only just discovered the joys of vintage. But Rajasthani women have been recycling for centuries, having their favourite jewels remodelled by a village silversmith to pass on as an heirloom. Unlike some precious relics, this beautiful ring was never meant to be kept in a cabinet. The fascinatingly detailed setting carries a round mirror, a style created for Moghul emperors, then continued by Indian women . . and now you.

129

We cannot understand why this ring is made of alloys and not silver because the cabuchon tourmalines that cover its surface pervade such a feeling of wealth and status. We suspect the stones came from Afghanistan and the setting was made in the foothills of the Hindu Kush near the border of Pakistan by the nomadic Pashtuns who inhabited the region at the turn of the last century. Whatever its origin this is a one off treasure of a design that we have never before seen.

147

A deer, symbolising mother Earth and fertility, is sensitively carved into the red surface of a carnelian which has been set in this bold raised silver ring. Surrounded by embossed flowers and decorated with two gilded birds on either side, we can conclude that the designer of this statement-making finger ornament had the natural world, happiness, love and family in their mind when they created it for the tribal nomads who ply the old silk routes of Central Asia.

177

This one of a kind jewellery design was undoubtedly commissioned for a patron who wished to have good fortune on her side. Representing a small shrine the wearer could remember her deity and feel a connection to her home wherever she travelled. And travell she did, as the soft patina gained by decades of wear attests to. Bring some rock n roll boho chic to your life with this standout piece of jewellery history, and perhaps she will bring you luck too.

188

Vintage Silver & Glass RingLucknowIndiaCirca 1960sDia 4.5cmSize P22g

£120

Originally a Moghul style, kundan work was often in gold set with precious gemstones. In more recent times a similar but more economic technique is to use coloured foil set behind glass and created in silver. Here is a unique and beautifully realised vintage interpretation of a classic design worn in courtly life in northern India, more than 500 years ago. A chic and stylish addition to your boho chic wardrobe.

198

Make a statement with a big bold and unabashed ring. Darkly decadent this broodingly opulent gothic style ring wouldn't look out of place in 'Game of Thrones'. A huge octagonal carnelian with Arabic inscriptions sits at its centre on a raised dais surrounded by floral and geometrical motifs between two endearingly large hearts positioned on either side to add more than a hint of romance to this fabulous creation.

227

Seductively elegant, boho doesn't get any more chic than this. A rare sky blue slab of stunning turquoise from Tibet framed in a chunky wirework and enbossed bezel, the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe and a firm jewellery favourite for seasons to come.

213

The black star of India is a rare, naturally occuring and highly sought after stone that forms a four ray star on its surface under a point of light such as the sun.This asterism, or effect cannot be seen here in the photograph but is easily apparent when wearing. The black star or star diopside is often used therapeutically in crystal healing due to its strong natural magnetism. Believed to help the heart and circulatory system it is also thought to enhance creativity in its wearer. Set in an ancient elegant granulated bezel design, put yourself in the spotlight and shine like a star.

231

The Tibetans love affair with coral never ends because of the high value placed on this rare stone coming all the way from the Italian coast of the Mediterranean Sea since time immemorial. The Tibetans believe that the stone has protective powers especially for women for whom it prevents illness and cleanses the blood. Set in an attractively scalloped silver base cleverly augmented with large granulations, this ring is a perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.

229

An eye-catching ring for running around town or hanging out at the beach. Tibetans believe banded agate to have powers to protect a person and aid their ability to see into the future, so any nice pieces are highly prized. The jeweller has enhanced the stones attractiveness with a simple granulated bezel giving a pleasing contrast when viewed straight on. Unassuming yet supremely boho chic, add this ring to your everyday collection and it wont let you down.

225

Vintage Silver & Turquoise RingNepal1980sLength 3.5cmSize N1/215g

£180

This ring connects one end of the ancient Silk Road with the other as these glamourous Asian designs made their way to the West as epic travellers started to bring them back from their adventures in the 70s and 80s. Showing superb craftsmanship and created using age old techniques, these rings were made for the cool boho luxe look so popular now as in the 70s. Constructed individually by hand by master craftsmen using the same age old techniques passed down over centuries through artisan families this piece boasts a stunning array of glorious Tibetan turquoise radiating a cool hippie vibe you can spot across the room.

230

A stunning example of an ancient design from the 'roof of the world' in the high Himalayas. Lightweight and with soft edges this is a ring that can be worn comfortably all day. Coral is commonly worn by Tibetan woman as it seen to be 'power bringing to women' and strengthening to the blood. This ring has a beautiful flowering lotus skilfully worked into each side by the jeweller. The lotus symbolises the female energy of emptiness, a favourite symbol in these remote Buddhist highlands as it also represents the flowering of spiritual awakening. Not just incredible fashion, but incredible philosophy too.